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Carvin Basses

#6
I returned it yesterday because the G string's output was anemic and the low b was f**ting anytime I went to it. Plus, the tone was midrange mush. I had it for 60 days, trying everything imaginable to get a solid sound and I simply could not. As you can see it is a beauty. I love the feel of the necks, the bass isn't too heavy, but balances well. I'm really bummed to have had to bring this baby back, but there was nothing else I could do. I think it has alot to do with the pu config and the pre-amp.

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#8
If you're a lefty Carvins are like godly with all of the options they have which are usually limited to you right-handed folk.

The new electronics (P-series) are spectacular, I loved how they were voiced. And extremely versatile, 3-bands w/ sweepable mids and two blends for the magnetic pickups (also coil switches for them) and the piezos.

As someone mentioned, the necks are great-feeling especially with one of the satin finishes (tung-oil is the best IMO).


The AC40 and AC50 are my favorite Electro-Acoustic basses, besides the Rob Allen Mouse 30 I played (albeit upside down) once.





Finally, You can order one and in the 10 days after you get it you can send it back for a full refund if you find you don't like it.
 
#9
At this point I'm just waiting for an approval for the return. I don't know what they'll do with the bass. To be honest with ya, I'm sick over it. I'm hoping that I can find another bass that Carvin makes that will work for me. I tried out an American Fender Jazz 5-string, MM, Warwick Corvette Standard, Ibanez BTB455 that I liked, but I still prefer the Carvin's neck above all of them. Carvin makes beautiful basses with very comfortable necks, but I'm leary about their preamps and pu's. I'm hoping it all works out.
 
#11
I've had 3 Carvins over the years 2 BB75's and 1 LB75. They feel great under the fingers, (but not a good as my MTD's) the construction is great but the electronics is lacking. Some basses in my opinion just have too much electronics and it takes too long to get a sound you like. But I'm biased towards passive basses. Carvin would do themselves well if they just went with Bartolini, Aguilar or some other electronics manufacturer. Just my opinion. Hope it helps.

I've heard a lot of nice things about their acoustic/electric basses, the AC40/AC50. As a matter of fact I'm looking for an AC50.
 
#13
Many people say that the new soap bars fix many of the problems in this thread. They keep the tone tight clear and punchy all the way down the strings.

The soap bars are relativley new (2006 I believe), and most complaints I see about carvins sound is from non-soap bar equipped basses. Someone swapped his soap bars with barts and say the difference in their tone was tiny, so I say give them a chance.

And if they didn't have their icon series basses I wouldn't have ordered one as all their other basses are imo ugly. Icon is close to perfect, plus lefty, so, awesome.
 
#16
vinxbass said:
At this point I'm just waiting for an approval for the return. I don't know what they'll do with the bass. To be honest with ya, I'm sick over it. I'm hoping that I can find another bass that Carvin makes that will work for me. I tried out an American Fender Jazz 5-string, MM, Warwick Corvette Standard, Ibanez BTB455 that I liked, but I still prefer the Carvin's neck above all of them. Carvin makes beautiful basses with very comfortable necks, but I'm leary about their preamps and pu's. I'm hoping it all works out.
Click to expand...

FWIW, I own three Carvin basses thus far. While the construction quality and materials are top notch, I agree that the preamps and pickups do leave something to be desired. Or at least that was the case until quite recently, when Carvin introduced their new & improved onboard preamp and soapbar pickups - which I've not yet had the opportunity to hear.

At any rate, since you really like the build quality and materials as much as you do, it might be worth your while to budget a little more for some quality aftermarket electronics upgrades, the next time you order a Carvin. Personally, I budget something extra for electronics upgrades with every Carvin bass that I buy. They're such nice instruments otherwise, and at such a reasonable price, I figure I'm still way ahead of the game, despite the extra expense.

Something to think about... :hmm:

MM
 
#19
...I definitely give Carvin a big thumbs up. I used to have an LB75, but had to sell it for lawyer's fees. I have missed it dearly for the last 3 1/2 years, so I ordered another one earlier today, finally. The construction is top-notch, and thought the sound of mine was very clear and authorative, not to mention LOUD, even acoustically.

The really important thing with Carvin is to be patient and friendly, regardless of the salesguy (they've all been very nice to me). Also, know what you want before you order (woods, pickups, etc.), so you have a good idea of what your getting in terms of looks and most importantly, sound.

The other important thing to say, even if you want the bass built quickly, is to say that you have a bass and that there's no hurry. A custom instrument is something not to be rushed and they seem to truly appreciate this. Ordering over the phone seems like like you're more personable and patient, too, as opposed to online ordering.


But, that's just me.

Hope this helps!
 
#20
I have been using their stuff for many years & all I can say is I wouldn't use it if I didn't like it. I do know they have changed the electronics recently & that has made a difference. I own an LB75F which sounds great & has always played great. I use their bass amps as well. I play reggae & country and look for a big fat warm sound. For the money you can't touch their stuff.
 

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